Solskjaer 'will be offered new Manchester United deal'

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be given a new contract and receive substantial backing in the transfer market this summer.

Despite finishing the season without a trophy and rounding off the campaign with an abject defeat by Villarreal in the Europa League final, the club are to give Solskjaer a new deal.

According to the Telegraph, the Norwegian will open talks with United over a fresh three-year extension, with his current contract set to expire next year.

The United hierarchy remain convinced that Solskjaer, 48, is the man for the job after an improved season and second place finish in the Premier League.

Despite the progress made this season, there remains an inconsistency of performance, typified by United's 11-10 shootout defeat on Wednesday night against underdogs Villarreal, who finished seventh in LaLiga.

To make the next step and challenge champions Manchester City, while also competing in the Champions League, there is recognition that new additions are needed.

And United are preparing to back the manager in the transfer market.

A wide forward, defender and central midfielder have been identified as the crucial areas to improve.

Jadon Sancho, a target last summer, is still the favoured option as a wide forward and should be available for a more attractive price than the £108 demanded by Borussia Dortmund less than 12 months ago.

Fellow Englishman Jack Grealish is another potential wide attacker but Solskjaer has earmarked Sancho as his No 1 choice.

Executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward, will remain in place until the end of 2021 so the impact of him leaving will not be felt in the summer transfer window.

He will work with the transfer committee and Solskjaer to bring in a defender and central midfield player after the £40m addition of Donny van de Beek looks to have failed.

The Dutchman is said to be seeking assurances over his future and he was an unused substitute on Wednesday night, despite United badly needing fresh legs in extra time.

In terms of outgoings, one of David de Gea or Dean Henderson appears likely to leave as both are desperate for the No 1 role.

And Paul Pogba's future is undecided, as it seems to be every summer.

There is the general feeling that the transfer window is of huge importance and will define Solskjaer's reign.

Gary Neville reflected on Wednesday: ''Haven't played well for weeks and last night a continuation of the form recently.

'Pressure will be applied to Ole and the team. Rightly so. Need to get it right this summer and a good start to next season needed badly!'